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I noticed I have a small bump along my left jaw. It is hard…

I noticed I have a...

I noticed I have a small bump along my left jaw. It is hard and does not cause any pain. From what I researched it sounds like it may be a tori which is harmless. The only reason I am worried is due to my short time dipping while in college. Is this something I should be worriedabout?

Experience: Endodontist (DDS,MS)-50 years of practice, Endodontics Assoc. Professor at Loyola University School of Dentistry, Air Force Veteran

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Hi Alex,

You are correct to assume that your hard bump is a torus. They are found both on the inside and outside of the jaw and are normal and harmless. Soft fluctuant bumps are a sign of infection.

Given your age, you do not fall even close to the demographics that would be involved with oral cancers from dipping, etc. You would need to have been doing this for more than 30-40 years for it to even be considered.

Most oral cancers are found in the soft tissues of the mouth like the inner cheeks and floor of the mouth.

So you really do not need to worry about this bump.

If you wish you can upload a photo of the bump and I can confirm what I believe you are describing.

If not then do worry and you can have your dentist on your next visit reassure you that it is a torus!! :):)

Experience: Endodontist (DDS,MS)-50 years of practice, Endodontics Assoc. Professor at Loyola University School of Dentistry, Air Force Veteran

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Customer reply replied 11 months ago

Makes sense. I guess the one thing that worried me Doctor is that I only have it on one side of the mouth. I read online( obviously you can't believe everything you read on the internet) that Tori are supposed to be on both sides if you have it. I will upload a pic. The thing is you really can't see the bump. Will upload anyway. Let me know if you want me to upload a better pic.

Customer reply replied 11 months ago

Makes sense. I guess the one thing that worried me Doctor is that I only have it on one side of the mouth. I read online( obviously you can't believe everything you read on the internet) that Tori are supposed to be on both sides if you have it. I will upload a pic. The thing is you really can't see the bump. Will upload anyway. Let me know if you want me to upload a better pic.

You are correct to assume that stuff on the web can be misleading and often times is when it comes to medical and dental issues.

Thanks for the pic!

The bump does not show up on the oic but if you are referring to the bone that protrudes out in front of your canine that is called a canine eminence at appears as a bump and is considered normal as well.

Tori can be single, double, and can also enlarge as you age and that is normal as well.

If the bump is what I just mentioned then another pic is not needed. If not please try again. Thanks.

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Customer reply replied 11 months ago

Here is another pic. But my gums look normal I guess what got me worried was the bump along my jaw. Is it normal for the skin above the torsi to sometime feel like a tiny air bubble till you push down on it and then feel bony? Thanks for the help so far. Just need some peace of mindAlex

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